Hands-On, Outdoor-Oriented, Eyes Toward the Future: How the Pacific Region Fisheries Program Connects People with Nature and Engages the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Pacific Region Fisheries Program comprises a network of 26 facilities across Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Hawai’i. Every program and station works actively to promote conservation education, environmental literacy, and natural resource career options to a variety of audiences ranging from preschool children through senior citizens, using an eclectic variety of activities and events. This presentation will highlight several of these efforts through implementation of the Service’s Connecting People With Nature Priority and the Secretary of the Interior’s Youth and the Great Outdoors Initiative. Hear the plans, priorities and strategies the Pacific Region Fisheries program uses regionally and locally to implement and sustain efforts such as hosting on-site Kids’ Fishing Days, in-class watershed conservation education, supporting aquatic habitat restoration youth crews, and engaging tribal youth in species conservation efforts.  Learn how we synchronize the principles within our Region’s ‘I Gave 16’ campaign, the Pacific Region Fisheries Program’s Strategic Plan and the national Guide for Conservation Education Projects at Fisheries Facilities. Discover how we work with partners to focus on the interests and needs of our many communities.